Traveling from Chandler to Bullhead City covers 245.3 miles across the Desert Southwest, typically taking about 5 hours and 4 minutes of driving time. Because this is a turn-heavy local drive, it is best suited as a single-day trip rather than an overnight excursion. You should budget approximately $49 for fuel to complete the journey. The route utilizes a combination of Grand Avenue, the Purple Heart Trail, and the Wickenburg–Kingman Highway to navigate out of the Phoenix metro area toward the Colorado River. While the drive is manageable in one stint, the technical nature of the roads means you should prepare for a focused day behind the wheel.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
122.7 miles from Chandler, AZ
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 39m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
106.7 mi
2h 9m
Grand Avenue
27.4 mi
37m
Purple Heart Trail
21.5 mi
21m
Bullhead City-Kingman Highway
18.3 mi
21m
Papago Freeway
15 mi
17m
Phoenix–Wickenburg Highway
9 mi
10m
Bullhead City–Kingman Highway
8.9 mi
11m
Agua Fria Freeway
8.8 mi
10m
Longest stretch:
Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
— 106.7 mi, about 2h 9m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Chandler, AZ and Bullhead City, AZ.
1
Start on East Chandler Boulevard
0.1 mi·41 sec·East Chandler Boulevard
2
Continue on East Chandler Boulevard
0.2 mi·17 sec·East Chandler Boulevard
3
Continue on West Chandler Boulevard
3.0 mi·5 min·West Chandler Boulevard
Use the left lane.
4
Turn right onto South Price Road
321 ft·6 sec·South Price Road
Use the right lane.
5
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·43 sec
Toward AZ 101 Loop North
6
Merge onto AZ 101 Loop
4.8 mi·5 min·Price Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Take the exit
0.2 mi·21 sec
Exit 55A; 55BToward US 60 West, US 60 East: Phoenix, GlobeUse the slight right lane.
8
Keep slight left at fork
0.7 mi·1 min
Exit 55AToward US 60 West: PhoenixUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Merge onto US 60
3.7 mi·4 min·Superstition Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto US 60
0.6 mi·38 sec·US 60
Toward I 10 North
11
Merge onto I 10; US 60
4.9 mi·5 min·Maricopa Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 10
2.0 mi·2 min·Papago Freeway
Use the slight left lane.
13
Keep slight left at fork onto I 10
2.7 mi·3 min·Papago Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Continue on I 10
0.5 mi·36 sec·Dean Lindsey Memorial Tunnel
15
Continue on I 10
10 mi·12 min·Papago Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.9 mi·1 min
Exit 133BToward AZ 101 Loop NorthUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Continue on AZ 101 Loop
8.8 mi·10 min·Agua Fria Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.3 mi·36 sec
Exit 11Toward US 60Use the slight right lane.
19
Turn left onto US 60
20 mi·28 min·Grand Avenue
Use the left / right lanes.
20
Keep slight right at fork onto US 60
159 ft·3 sec·Phoenix–Wickenburg Highway
21
Continue on US 60
0.9 mi·1 min·Grand Avenue
22
Continue on US 60
0.2 mi·15 sec·Phoenix–Wickenburg Highway
23
Continue on US 60
0.1 mi·8 sec·Wickenburg–Phoenix Highway
24
Continue on US 60
6.3 mi·7 min·Grand Avenue
25
Continue on US 60
0.5 mi·31 sec·Phoenix-Wickenburg Highway
26
Continue on US 60
8.7 mi·10 min·Phoenix–Wickenburg Highway
27
Continue on US 60
1.5 mi·2 min·East Wickenburg Way
28
Enter roundabout onto US 93
2 ft·0 sec·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
29
Continue on US 93
1.2 mi·2 min·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
30
Keep slight right at fork onto US 93
0.5 mi·1 min·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
31
Keep slight right at fork onto US 93
0.9 mi·1 min·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
32
Keep slight right at fork onto US 93
0.9 mi·1 min·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
33
Enter roundabout onto US 93
100 ft·4 sec·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
34
Continue on US 93
1.2 mi·2 min·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
35
Enter roundabout onto US 93
155 ft·6 sec·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
36
Continue on US 93
0.6 mi·1 min·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
37
Turn left onto US 93
112 ft·4 sec·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
38
Keep slight right at fork onto US 93
101 mi·1 hr 58 min·Wickenburg–Kingman Highway
39
Continue on US 93
0.3 mi·23 sec·Wickenburg-Kingman Highway
40
Take the exit onto US 93
0.7 mi·1 min·US 93
Toward I 40 West
41
Merge onto I 40; US 93
22 mi·21 min·Purple Heart Trail
42
Take the exit onto US 93
0.3 mi·42 sec·US 93
Exit 48Toward US 93: Beale Street, Las Vegas
43
Turn slight right onto US 93
222 ft·7 sec·US 93
Exit 48Toward US 93: Beale Street, Las VegasUse the right lane.
44
Merge onto US 93
1.8 mi·2 min·West Beale Street
Use the right lane.
45
Continue on US 93
1.4 mi·1 min·Hoover Dam–Kingman Highway
46
Take the exit
1.0 mi·1 min
Exit 67Toward AZ 68 West: Bullhead City, LaughlinUse the right lane.
47
Continue on AZ 68
6.5 mi·8 min·Bullhead City–Kingman Highway
48
Continue on AZ 68
1.9 mi·2 min·Bullhead City-Kingman Highway
49
Continue on AZ 68
1.5 mi·1 min·Bullhead City–Kingman Highway
50
Continue on AZ 68
16 mi·19 min·Bullhead City-Kingman Highway
51
Continue on AZ 68
0.8 mi·1 min·Bullhead City–Kingman Highway
52
Continue on AZ 95
1.7 mi·2 min·Mohave Valley Highway
53
Turn left onto 4th Street
20 ft·0 sec·4th Street
54
Arrive at destination
4th Street
Trip Plan
Planning for this 245.3-mile trek requires a smart start time to avoid peak urban congestion when leaving Chandler. While the itinerary is designed as a one-day trip, you have the flexibility to utilize the single planned stop to break up the 5-hour duration and recharge. Given that fuel costs will hover around $49, fill your tank before heading out to avoid paying higher prices in more remote stretches. A key tip for this specific route is to prioritize your fuel management during the 106.7-mile stretch on the Wickenburg–Kingman Highway, as service intervals may be less frequent than on major interstates. Keep a steady pace to handle the turns comfortably and ensure you arrive in Bullhead City without unnecessary fatigue.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 122.7 miles from Chandler, AZ, or about 2h 39m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 106.7 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 54 miles or 1h 9m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 122.7 miles or 2h 39m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 9m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Bullhead City, AZ than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Chandler, AZ so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Chandler, AZ
This is one driving day of about 245.3 miles and 5h 4m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 54 miles from Chandler, AZ.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Wickenburg–Kingman Highway for about 106.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 30
5 decision points cluster between mile 8.5 and 215.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
8.5 mi into trip|~12m in
Take the exit toward US 60 West, US 60 East: Phoenix, Globe
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 55A; 55B
Toward US 60 West, US 60 East: Phoenix, Globe
8
8.6 mi into trip|~13m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 60 West: Phoenix
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 55A
Toward US 60 West: Phoenix
7
34 mi into trip|~43m in
Take the exit toward AZ 101 Loop North
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 133B
Toward AZ 101 Loop North
7
43.7 mi into trip|~54m in
Take the exit toward US 60
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 11
Toward US 60
8
215.4 mi into trip|~4h 25m in
Take the exit toward AZ 68 West: Bullhead City, Laughlin
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Exit 67
Toward AZ 68 West: Bullhead City, Laughlin
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$48.87 one way
$97.73 round trip
$5.06/gal25.4 MPG avg86 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$5.36
$51.72
$103.43
premium
$5.59
$53.99
$107.99
diesel
$5.61
$54.16
$108.32
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$49
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$74–$99
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 85.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $26 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
73.6
0
$25.76
$11.77
Efficient EV
61.3
0
$21.46
$9.81
EV Truck/SUV
98.1
1
$34.34
$15.70
Gas CO2
86 kg
EV CO2
29 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Forecast as of Apr 16, 2026
Origin
Chandler, AZ
Evening
in Chandler on Saturday
Local time
7:53 PM
MST
Current temp
90°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Bullhead City, AZ
Evening
in Bullhead City on Saturday
Local time
7:53 PM
MST
Current temp
90°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
5h 4m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
National Monument
An Ancestral Sonoran Desert People's farming community and "Great House" are preserved at Casa Grande Ruins. Whether a gathering place for people or simply a waypoint marker in an extensive system of...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a varied driving experience that transitions from urban stretches to more technical local roads. Only 16% of this trip is on major highways, meaning you will spend the bulk of your time navigating secondary routes that require constant attention. The longest uninterrupted segment occurs on the Wickenburg–Kingman Highway, which spans 106.7 miles of the journey. Because of the turn-heavy profile, this isn't a mindless interstate cruise; you will need to remain alert as the road winds through the desert landscape. Anticipate a shift in pace as you move away from the high-traffic corridors and onto the more localized highway sections.
Only 16% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
54 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 106.7 mi on Wickenburg–Kingman Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 8.5 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 30 significant decision points across 245.3 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 8.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 8.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 34 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Chandler, AZ and Bullhead City, AZ, road signs point toward Las Vegas and Laughlin.
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 4m. Total distance: 245.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 4m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 106.7 miles on Wickenburg–Kingman Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Bullhead City, AZ before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 8.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 8.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 34 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Casa Grande Ruins National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.1 hours each way, a round trip means 10.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Bullhead City, AZ before the return drive.
